Information processing apparatus, communication system, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

Wireless communication is appropriately performed. 
     An information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus including a management unit. The management unit included in the information processing apparatus manages a transmission suppression time period set in a network including the information processing apparatus. Along with the management, the management unit also manages a transmission suppression time period set in each of other networks, the other networks not including the information processing apparatus and transmitting radio waves reaching at least the information processing apparatus, the management unit managing the transmission suppression time period for each of the other networks.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technique relates to an information processing apparatus.More specifically, the present technique relates to an informationprocessing apparatus, a communication system, an information processingmethod, and a program causing a computer to execute the method, forusing wireless communication to exchange data.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past, there has been a wireless communication technique of usingwireless communication to exchange data. For example, a communicationmethod of using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) to exchange databetween information processing apparatuses is proposed.

In addition, a wireless LAN communication standard defines a method ofsetting an NAV (Network Allocation Vector) to carry out virtual carriersense to prevent interference of a reception operation of a device thatis receiving data.

In addition, the wireless LAN communication standard is brushed up inrecent years in order to improve the throughput. For example, a methodis proposed, in which the transmission power is adjusted for each ofindividual communications to adjust the level of the carrier sense tothereby spatially reuse different communications without affecting thecommunications.

Here, only the virtual carrier sense in one BSS (Basic Service Set) isexpected in the wireless LAN communication standard. Therefore, thestandard defines that the longest value can be held in the case ofsetting the NAV.

However, there may also be another BSS (OBSS (Overlapping Basic ServiceSet)) overlapping with the BSS including the apparatus. Therefore, atechnique of constructing a mechanism for coexistence with the OBSS isproposed. For example, in a proposed technique, the NAV of the BSSincluding the apparatus and an overlap NAV (ONAV) of the OBSS arecombined and used (for example, see PTL 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature [PTL 1]

JP 2004-525586A

SUMMARY Technical Problem

In the related technique described above, the NAV of the OBSS can beused as an ONAV. Here, there may be a plurality of OBSSs. In such acase, it is important to consider the plurality of OBSSs to improve thethroughput for appropriate wireless communication.

The present technique has been made in view of the circumstances, and anobject of the present technique is to appropriately perform wirelesscommunication.

Solution to Problem

The present technique has been made to solve the problem describedabove, and a first aspect of the present technique provides aninformation processing apparatus, an information processing method ofthe information processing apparatus, and a program causing a computerto execute the method, the information processing apparatus including amanagement unit that manages a transmission suppression time period setin a network including the information processing apparatus and thatmanages a transmission suppression time period set in each of othernetworks, the other networks not including the information processingapparatus and transmitting radio waves reaching at least the informationprocessing apparatus, the management unit managing the transmissionsuppression time period for each of the other networks. This produces aneffect of managing the transmission suppression time period set in thenetwork including the information processing apparatus and managing, foreach of the other networks, the transmission suppression time period setin each of the other networks.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, the management unit may set thetransmission suppression time period of each of the other networks on abasis of a control signal received from another information processingapparatus belonging to one of the other networks. This produces aneffect of setting the transmission suppression time period of each ofthe other networks based on the control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to one of the other networks.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, the management unit may set thetransmission suppression time period of one of the other networks on abasis of a value of Duration in a control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to the one of the othernetworks. This produces an effect of setting the transmissionsuppression time period of one of the other networks based on the valueof Duration in the control signal received from another informationprocessing apparatus belonging to the one of the other networks.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, in a case where a control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to oneof the other networks is a CTS (Clear to Send) frame, the managementunit may set the transmission suppression time period of the one of theother networks as a management target. This produces an effect ofsetting the transmission suppression time period of one of the othernetworks as a management target in the case where the control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to theone of the other networks is a CTS frame.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, in a case where a control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to oneof the other networks is a CF-END (Contention Free End) frame, themanagement unit may cancel the transmission suppression time period ofthe one of the other networks corresponding to address information inthe CF-END frame. This produces an effect of cancelling the transmissionsuppression time period of one of the other networks corresponding tothe address information in the CF-END frame in the case where thecontrol signal received from another information processing apparatusbelonging to the one of the other networks is a CF-END frame.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, in a case where a control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to thenetwork is an RTS (Request to Send) frame, the management unit may setthe transmission suppression time period of the network on a basis of avalue of Duration in the RTS frame. This produces an effect of settingthe transmission suppression time period of the network based on thevalue of Duration in the RTS frame in the case where the control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to thenetwork is an RTS frame.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, an access control unit may be furtherincluded, the access control unit performing control not to transmit asignal to a wireless transmission path until all the transmissionsuppression time period of the network and the transmission suppressiontime period of each of the other networks as management targets of themanagement unit are cancelled. This produces an effect of performing thecontrol not to transmit a signal to the wireless transmission path untilall the transmission suppression time period of the network and thetransmission suppression time period of each of the other networks asmanagement targets of the management unit are cancelled.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, the management unit may change detailsof management of the transmission suppression time period on a basis ofa type of control signal received from another information processingapparatus belonging to one of the other networks. This produces aneffect of changing the details of management of the transmissionsuppression time period based on the type of control signal receivedfrom another information processing apparatus belonging to one of theother networks.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, the management unit may manage, foreach of the other networks, transmission suppression time periods set ina plurality of the other networks. This produces an effect of managing,for each of the other networks, the transmission suppression timeperiods set in a plurality of the other networks.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, in a case where a control signalreceived from an access point belonging to the network is a CTS frame,the management unit may figure out that data is to be transmitted fromthe access point in the network. This produces an effect of figuring outthat data is to be transmitted in the network in the case where thecontrol signal received from the access point belonging to the networkis a CTS frame.

Furthermore, in the first aspect, in a case where a control signalreceived from an access point belonging to the network is a CF-ENDframe, the management unit may figure out that data is not to betransmitted in the network. This produces an effect of figuring out thatdata is not to be transmitted in the network in the case where thecontrol signal received from the access point belonging to the networkis a CF-END frame.

Furthermore, a second aspect of the present technique provides acommunication system, an information processing method of thecommunication system, and a program causing a computer to execute themethod, the communication system including a first informationprocessing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus, thefirst information processing apparatus transmitting a control signal forsetting a transmission suppression time period in a network includingboth the first information processing apparatus and the secondinformation processing apparatus in a case where data is to betransmitted in the network, the second information processing apparatusincluding a management unit that manages the transmission suppressiontime period set in the network on a basis of the control signal and thatmanages a transmission suppression time period set in each of othernetworks, the other networks not including the first informationprocessing apparatus or the second information processing apparatus andtransmitting radio waves reaching at least the second informationprocessing apparatus, the management unit managing the transmissionsuppression time period for each of the other networks. This produces aneffect that the first information processing apparatus transmits thecontrol signal for setting the transmission suppression time period inthe network including both the first information processing apparatusand the second information processing apparatus in the case where datais to be transmitted in the network, and the second informationprocessing apparatus manages the transmission suppression time periodset in the network on a basis of the control signal and manages, foreach of the other networks, the transmission suppression time period setin each of the other networks.

Advantageous Effect of Invention

According to the present technique, an excellent advantageous effect ofappropriately performing wireless communication can be attained. Notethat the advantageous effect described here may not be limited, and theadvantageous effect may be any of the advantageous effects described inthe present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system configuration of a communicationsystem 10 according to an embodiment of the present technique.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of an information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 according tothe embodiment of the present technique.

FIG. 3 depicts a configuration example of a frame format exchangedbetween devices as a basis of the present technique.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of setting and cancelling an NAV as a basis ofthe present technique.

FIG. 5 depicts an example of setting and cancelling an ONAV as a basisof the present technique.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of managing the NAV and the ONAV by an NAV andONAV management unit 212 according to the embodiment of the presenttechnique.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of managing the ONAV by the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 according to the embodiment of the presenttechnique.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a processing procedureof an NV and ONAV management process by the information processingapparatus according to the embodiment of the present technique.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a smartphone.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a car navigation apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a wireless access point.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present technique (hereinafter,referred to as embodiment) will be described. The embodiment will bedescribed in the following order.

1. Embodiment (Example of OBSS-Based Management of ONAVs Set in OBSSsAlong with NAV Set in BSS)

2. Application Example

1. Embodiment [Configuration Example of Communication System]

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system configuration of a communicationsystem 10 according to the embodiment of the present technique.Specifically, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a situation of overlappedBSSs (Basic Service Sets).

The communication system 10 is a wireless network including aninformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100, an information processingapparatus (STA1-1) 101, an information processing apparatus (STA1-2)102, an information processing apparatus (AP2) 110, an informationprocessing apparatus (STA2-1) 111, an information processing apparatus(STA2-2) 112, an information processing apparatus (AP3) 120, aninformation processing apparatus (STA3-1) 121, and an informationprocessing apparatus (STA3-2) 122. Note that in FIG. 1, a circle of asolid line indicates each information processing apparatus (AP, STA).Furthermore, wave reaching ranges 130 to 132, 140 to 142, and 150 to 152of the information processing apparatuses (AP, STA) are indicated bycircles of dotted lines around the corresponding information processingapparatuses (AP, STA).

For example, each information processing apparatus (AP, STA) included inthe communication system 10 can be a fixed or mobile device (forexample, information processing apparatus, wireless communicationapparatus, or electronic device) with a wireless communication function.Here, the fixed device is, for example, a device, such as an accesspoint and a base station in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system.Furthermore, the mobile device is, for example, a device, such as asmartphone, a mobile phone, and a tablet terminal.

In addition, each information processing apparatus (AP, STA) included inthe communication system 10 has, for example, a communication functioncompliant with a wireless LAN standard of IEEE (Institute of Electricaland Electronic Engineers) 802.11. For example, each informationprocessing apparatus can have a communication function compliant with awireless LAN standard of IEEE 802.11ax. Furthermore, examples of thewireless LAN that can be used include Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Wi-FiDirect, and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast specifications (technicalspecification name: Wi-Fi Display). Wireless communication may also beperformed by using other communication systems.

The communications system 10 can be, for example, a wireless networkincluding an access point (master station) and subordinate apparatuses(slave stations) of the access point. For example, the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1) 100 can be an access point, and theinformation processing apparatus (STA1-1) 101 and the informationprocessing apparatus (STA1-2) 102 can be subordinate apparatuses of theinformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100. In addition, the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1) 100, the information processing apparatus(STA1-1) 101, and the information processing apparatus (STA1-2) 102 forma BSS (Basic Service Set). In FIG. 1, circles corresponding to these areindicated by circles painted white inside.

Similarly, for example, the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110can be an access point, and the information processing apparatus(STA2-1) 111 and the information processing apparatus (STA2-2) 112 canbe subordinate apparatuses of the information processing apparatus (AP2)110. In addition, the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110, theinformation processing apparatus (STA2-1) 111, and the informationprocessing apparatus (STA2-2) 112 form a BSS. In FIG. 1, circlescorresponding to these are indicated by circles painted gray inside.

Similarly, for example, the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120can be an access point, and the information processing apparatus(STA3-1) 121 and the information processing apparatus (STA3-2) 122 canbe subordinate apparatuses of the information processing apparatus (AP3)120. In addition, the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120, theinformation processing apparatus (STA3-1) 121, and the informationprocessing apparatus (STA3-2) 122 form a BSS. In FIG. 1, circlescorresponding to these are indicated by circles painted black inside.

In addition, the wave reaching ranges 130 to 132, 140 to 142, and 150 to152 of the information processing apparatuses (AP, STA) are indicated bycircles with dotted lines different in each BSS.

In addition, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, each informationprocessing apparatus (AP, STA) included in the communication system 10controls the transmission power and controls the reception sensitivity.Therefore, for example, the station (information processing apparatus(STA)) near the access point (information processing apparatus (AP)) iscapable of transmission with lower transmission power. On the otherhand, the station (information processing apparatus (STA)) far from theaccess point (information processing apparatus (AP)) is capable oftransmission with larger transmission power.

In this way, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an environment including aplurality of BSSs overlapped on the same space. In this way, another BSSoverlapping the BSS including a reference device will be referred to asan OBSS (Overlapping Basic Service Set) in the description. In otherwords, the OBSS can be another network that does not include thereference device and that transmits a radio wave reaching at least thereference device.

In FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100, theinformation processing apparatus (STA1-1) 101, and the informationprofessing apparatus (STA1-2) 102 form one BSS. In addition, on thebasis of the BSS, there is a first OBSS (OBSS1) including theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110, the information processingapparatus (STA2-1) 111, and the information processing apparatus(STA2-2) 112. In this case, the information processing apparatus(STA1-1) 101 can receive signals from the information processingapparatus (AP2) 110 and the information processing apparatus (STA2-1)111 among the devices belonging to the first OBSS (OBSS1).

Therefore, for example, the information processing apparatus (STA1-1)101 can receive an RTS (Request to Send) frame and a CTS (Clear to Send)frame from the information processing apparatus (STA2-1) 111 belongingto the first OBSS (OBSS1). The information processing apparatus (STA1-1)101 can also receive a CTS frame (CTS to Self frame) from theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110. Therefore, on the basis ofthe signal from each device belonging to the OBSS, the informationprocessing apparatus (STA1-1) 101 needs to set an NAV (NetworkAllocation Vector) for coexistence with the OBSS. Note that in thedescription of the embodiment of the present technique, the NAV set onthe basis of the signal from each device belonging to the OBSS will bereferred to as an ONAV (Overlapping Network Allocation Vector).

Furthermore, on the basis of the BSS including the informationprocessing apparatus (STA1-1) 101, there is a second OBSS (OBSS2)including the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120, theinformation processing apparatus (STA3-1) 121, and the informationprocessing apparatus (STA3-2) 122 in FIG. 1. In this case, theinformation processing apparatus (STA1-1) 101 can receive a signal fromthe information processing apparatus (STA3-1) 121 among the devicesbelonging to the second OBSS (OBSS2).

Therefore, for example, the information processing apparatus (STA1-1)101 can receives an RTS frame and a CTS frame from the informationprocessing apparatus (STA3-1) 121 belonging to the second OBSS (OBSS2).However, it is difficult for the information processing apparatus(STA1-1) 101 to receive a CTS (CTS to Self frame) from the informationprocessing apparatus (AP3) 120 belonging to the second OBSS (OBSS2).Therefore, the information processing apparatus (STA1-1) 101 canarbitrarily set the ONAV on the basis of the signal from each devicebelonging to the second OBSS (OBSS2).

Note that in FIG. 1, dotted lines indicate the wave reaching ranges 130to 132 of the respective devices of the BSS including the informationprocessing apparatus (STA1-1) 101. Furthermore, one-dot chain linesindicate the wave reaching ranges 140 to 142 of the respective devicesbelonging to the first OBSS (OBSS1), and two-dot chain lines indicatethe wave reaching ranges 150 to 152 of the respective devices belongingto the second OBSS (OBSS2).

Note that in the communication system 10, the required transmissionpower is set every time the positional relationship of the informationprocessing apparatuses (AP, STA) moves during the operation, and thewave reaching ranges are also changed every time the positionalrelationship moves.

[Configuration Example of Information Processing Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 according tothe embodiment of the present technique.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates only the functional configuration example ofthe information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 for the convenience, thefunctional configurations (functional configurations related to wirelesscommunication) of the other information processing apparatuses (AP, STA)are also similar. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiment ofthe present technique, although the information processing apparatus(AP) as the access point and the other information processingapparatuses (STA) have the same configuration for the convenience, partof the configuration may be different according to the devices. Forexample, in the case of the access point (AP), an Internet communicationunit 21 may be connected to the Internet through a wired network. Inaddition, a device control unit 23 may control the configurations.

The information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 includes the Internetcommunication unit 21, an information input unit 22, the device controlunit 23, and an information output unit 24. Each of the components is anexample of the system configuration in the information processingapparatus (AP1) 100 and may be provided as necessary. In addition, partor all of the functions of the components may provide a wirelesscommunication system.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 may operateas a wireless communication device or a wireless communication moduleexcluding the components.

The Internet communication unit 21 is a communication unit forconnection to the Internet.

The information input unit 22 is an information input unit that receivesinput of information (for example, keyboard input) from the user andthat acquires various types of information (for example, imageinformation and sound information).

The information output unit 24 is an information output unit thatoutputs information to the user (for example, indication of an image andvideo on a display and audio output of sound information and musicinformation).

The device control unit 23 is configured to control the entire system inthe information processing apparatus (AP1) 100.

The information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 further includes aninterface unit 201, a transmission buffer 202, a data frame generationunit 203, a control frame generation unit 204, a wireless signaltransmission processing unit 205, an access control unit 206, atransmission power control/received field strength setting unit 207, anantenna control unit 208, antenna elements 209A and 209B, a wirelesssignal reception processing unit 210, a control frame extraction unit211, an NAV and ONAV management unit 212, a data frame extraction unit213, and a reception buffer 214. Each of the components is realized by,for example, a wireless communication module specialized for wirelesscommunication.

The interface unit 201 is an interface that receives application data onthe basis of input of information from the user and that outputsapplication data. For example, the interface unit 201 receiveswirelessly transmitted application data from the device control unit 23on the basis of the input of information from the user and causes thetransmission buffer 202 to hold the application data. The interface unit201 outputs, to the device control unit 23, wirelessly receivedapplication data as information for the user.

The transmission buffer 202 is a transmission buffer that temporarilyholds data to be transmitted from the information processing apparatus(AP1) 100 to another information processing apparatus. The transmissionbuffer 202 then supplies the held data to the data frame generation unit203.

The data frame generation unit 203 is configured to construct the data(transmission data) held in the transmission buffer 202 into apredetermined data frame format for wireless transmission. The dataframe generation unit 203 then outputs the generated data frame to thewireless signal transmission processing unit 205.

The control frame generation unit 204 is configured to construct controlframes, such as an RST frame, a CTS frame, and an ACK frame, accordingto data transmission on the basis of an instruction from the NAV andONAV management unit 212. The control frame generation unit 204 thenoutputs the generated control frame to the wireless signal transmissionprocessing unit 205.

The wireless signal transmission processing unit 205 is configured toconvert a transmitted data frame into a high-frequency signal as abaseband signal. The wireless signal transmission processing unit 205then outputs the baseband signal converted into the high-frequencysignal to the antenna control unit 208 on the basis of control of theaccess control unit 206.

The access control unit 206 is an access control unit that controlsaccess in communication on a wireless transmission path in compliancewith a predetermined wireless communication protocol. For example, theaccess control unit 206 can control the access in the communication onthe wireless transmission path on the basis of details of management bythe NAV and ONAV management unit 212. For example, while all the NAV andthe ONAVs of the OBSSs as management targets of the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 are cancelled, the access control unit 206 performscontrol for transmitting a signal to the wireless transmission path.Furthermore, for example, the access control unit 206 can performcontrol not to transmit a signal to the wireless transmission path untilall the NAV and the ONAVs of the OBSSs as management targets of the NAVand ONAV management unit 212 are cancelled.

The transmission power control/received field strength setting unit 207is a transmission power control/received field strength setting unitthat sets desired transmission power and signal detection level ofreceived field strength.

The antenna control unit 208 is an antenna control unit that controls anantenna for transmitting a signal to the wireless transmission path andreceiving a signal from the wireless transmission path.

The antenna elements 209A and 209B are antenna elements as a pluralityof antenna elements that transmit or receive signals.

The wireless signal reception processing unit 210 is configured toextract a baseband signal from a high-frequency signal received throughthe antenna. The wireless signal reception processing unit 210 thenoutputs the extracted baseband signal to the access control unit 206,the control frame extraction unit 211, and the data frame extractionunit 213.

The control frame extraction unit 211 is configured to extract, from thebaseband signal, predetermined control frames, such as an RTS frame, aCTS frame, and a ACK frame, indicating the situation of usage of thetransmission path. The control frame extraction unit 211 then outputsthe extracted control frames to the access control unit 206 and the NAVand ONAV management unit 212.

The NAV and ONAV management unit 212 is configured to manage the NAV setin the BSS including the apparatus and manage, for each OBSS, the ONAVsset in the OBSSs. For example, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 canset the NAV on the basis of the control signal (control frame) receivedfrom another information processing apparatus belonging to the BSS ofthe apparatus. Furthermore, for example, the NAV and ONAV managementunit 212 can set the ONAV of each OBSS on the basis of the controlsignal (control frame) received from another information processingapparatus belonging to the OBSS. In this case, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 can manage, for each of a plurality of OBSSs, theONAVs set in the plurality of OBSSs. Note that an example of managingthe NAV and the ONAVs by the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 6. In addition, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 is an example of a management unit described inthe claims.

The data frame extraction unit 213 is configured to extract dataincluded in the data frame from the baseband signal. The data frameextraction unit 213 then causes the reception buffer 214 to hold theextracted data.

The reception buffer 214 is a reception buffer that temporarily holdsreceived data and the like until data in predetermined units iscollected. The reception buffer 214 then supplies the held data to theinterface unit 201.

[Configuration Example of Frame Format]

FIG. 3 depicts a configuration example of a frame format exchangedbetween devices as a basis of the present technique.

In FIG. 3, a illustrates a configuration example of an RTS (Request toSend) frame. The RTS frame includes Frame Control 301, Duration 302, RA(Receive Address) 303, TA (Transmit Address) 304, and FCS (Frame CheckSequence) 305.

Information for designating the format of the RTS frame is stored in theFrame Control 301. Duration information for setting the NAV is stored inthe Duration 302.

A reception side address is designated in the RA 303. A transmissionside address is designated in the TA 304. For example, in a case oftransmitting the RTS frame from the information processing apparatus(STA) to the information processing apparatus (AP), address information(for example, MAC (Media Access Control) address) of the informationprocessing apparatus (AP) is stored in the RA 303. Address informationof the information processing apparatus (STA) is also stored in the TA304.

Information for error detection is stored in the FCS 305.

In FIG. 3, b illustrates a configuration example of a CTS (Clear toSend) frame. The CTS frame includes Frame Control 311, Duration 312, RA313, and FCS 314.

Information for designating the format of the CTS frame is stored in theFrame Control 311. Duration information for setting the NAV is stored inthe Duration 312.

A target address is designated in the RA 313. For example, in a casewhere the CTS frame corresponding to the RTS frame from the informationprocessing apparatus (STA) to the information processing apparatus (AP)is transmitted from the information processing apparatus (AP) to theinformation processing apparatus (STA), address information of theinformation processing apparatus (STA) is stored in the RA 313. That is,a copy of the TA 304 illustrated in a of FIG. 3 is stored in the RA 313.

Information for error detection is stored in the FCS 314.

In FIG. 3, c illustrates a configuration example of an ACK(Acknowledgement) frame. The ACK frame includes Frame Control 321,Duration 322, RA 323, and FCS 324.

Information for designating the format of the ACK frame is stored inFrame Control 321. Duration information for setting the NAV is stored inthe Duration 322.

A target address is designated in the RA 323. Information for errordetection is stored in the FCS 324.

In FIG. 3, d illustrates a configuration example of a PS-Poll (PowerSave Polling) frame. The PS-Poll frame includes Frame Control 331, AID(Association Identifier) 332, BSSID (RA) 333, TA 334, and FCS 335.

Information for designating the format of the PS-Poll frame is stored inthe Frame Control 331. Information related to an association identifieris stored in the AID 332.

BSSID information is designated as a reception side address in the BSSID(RA) 333. A transmission side address is designated in the TA 334.Information for error detection is stored in the FCS 335.

In FIG. 3, e illustrates a configuration example of a CF-END (ContentionFree End) frame. The CF-END frame includes Frame Control 341, Duration342, RA 343, BSSID (TA) 344, and FCS 345.

Information for designating the format of the CF-END frame is stored inthe Frame Control 341. Duration information for setting the NAV isstored in the Duration 342.

A reception side address is designated in the RA 343. BSSID informationis designated as a transmission side address in the BSSID (TA) 344.Information for error detection is stored in the FCS 345.

In FIG. 3, f illustrates a configuration example of a CF-END+CF-ACK(Contention Free End+Contention Free Ack) frame. The CF-END+CF-ACK frameincludes Frame Control 351, Duration 352, RA 353, BSSID (TA) 354, andFCS 355.

Information for designating the format of the CF-END+CF-ACK frame isstored in the Frame Control 351. Duration information for setting theNAV is stored in the Duration 352.

A reception side address is designated in the RA 353. BSSID informationis designated as a transmission side address in the BSSID (TA) 354.Information for error detection is stored in the FCS 355.

[Example of Setting NAV]

FIG. 4 depicts an example of setting and cancelling an NAV as a basis ofthe present technique. Note that the horizontal axis illustrated in FIG.4 indicates a time axis. Furthermore, above the time axis correspondingto each device in FIG. 4, data to be transmitted is indicated byrectangles provided with content inside.

In FIG. 4, a illustrates an example of a case of setting the NAV byexchanging an RTS frame and a CTS frame. In FIG. 4, a illustrates anexample of communication between a device on the transmission side ofdata (transmission side device) and a device on the reception side ofdata (reception side device) and an example of setting the NAV.

First, the transmission side device transmits an RTS frame to thereception side device before transmitting the data to the reception sidedevice (401). A time period (transmission suppression time period) ofsetting the NAV is stored in the Duration 302 (illustrated in a of FIG.3) in the RTS frame. The transmission side device further sets the NAVon the basis of the virtual carrier sense throughout the time periodstored in the Duration 302 (illustrated in a of FIG. 3) in the RTS frame(405).

In addition, in a case where the RTS frame is received, the receptionside device transmits a CTS frame for the RTS frame to the transmissionside device (402). A time period (transmission suppression time period)of setting the NAV is stored in the Duration 312 (illustrated in b ofFIG. 3) in the CTS frame. The reception side device further sets the NAVon the basis of the virtual carrier sense throughout the time periodstored in the Duration 312 (illustrated in b of FIG. 3) in the CTS frame(406). Note that end timing of the NAV set in the transmission sidedevice and end timing of the NAV set in the reception side device arethe same.

In the period (405) in which the NAV is set in this way, thetransmission side device transmits data (Data) to the reception sidedevice (403). In addition, an acknowledgement (Ack) is exchanged asnecessary (404).

In FIG. 4, b illustrates an example of a case of setting the NAV on thebasis of CTS-to-self. In FIG. 4, b illustrates an example ofcommunication between a device on the transmission side of data(transmission side device) and a device on the reception side of data(reception side device) and an example of setting and cancelling theNAV.

First, the transmission side device transmits a CTS-to-self frame to thereception side device before transmitting data to the reception sidedevice (411). A time period (transmission suppression time period) ofsetting the NAV is stored in the Duration 312 (illustrated in b of FIG.3) in the CTS-to-self frame. In this case, a maximum value is stored asthe transmission suppression time period.

The transmission side device and the reception side device further setthe NAV as a CF (Contention Free) region throughout the time periodstored in the Duration 312 (illustrated in b of FIG. 3) in theCTS-to-self frame (415).

Subsequently, in the period (415) in which the NAV is set, thetransmission side device transmits data (Data) to the reception sidedevice (412). An acknowledgement (Ack) is also exchanged as necessary(413).

Here, in a case where there is a remaining time period in the NAV set onthe basis of the CTS-to-self frame, the transmission side devicetransmits a CF-END frame to the reception side device to inform that theCF period is finished (414). In this way, the transmission side devicecan transmit the CF-END frame to the reception side device to cancel thepreviously set NAV as a CF region (416).

In FIG. 4, c illustrates an example of a case of setting the NAV on thebasis of CTS-to-self. In FIG. 4, c illustrates an example ofcommunication between a device on the setting side of setting the NAV(setting side device) and a target device of the device (target sidedevice) and an example of setting and cancelling the NAV. Note that theexample illustrated in c of FIG. 4 is a modification of b of FIG. 4, andthe description of the part in common with b of FIG. 4 will not berepeated.

As in the example illustrated in b of FIG. 4, the setting side devicetransmits a CTS-to-self frame to the target side device (421). Thesetting side device and the target side device further set the NAV as aCF region throughout the time period stored in the Duration 312(illustrated in b of FIG. 3) in the CTS-to-self frame (425).

Subsequently, in a period in which the NAV is set (425), the settingside device transmits data (Data+Poll) to the target side device (422).After the data transmission, the setting side device also receives dataand an acknowledgement (Data+Ack) from the target side device designatedby Poll (423).

Here, in a case where there is a remaining time period in the NAV set onthe basis of the CTS-to-self frame, the setting side device transmits aframe for informing that the CF period is finished to the target sidedevice (424). That is, the setting side device transmits a frameincluding an acknowledgement and CF-END (Ack+CFend) to the target sidedevice (424). In this way, the setting side device can transmit theCF-END frame to the target side device to cancel the previously set NAVas a CF region (426).

[Example of Setting and Cancelling ONAV]

FIG. 5 depicts an example of setting and cancelling the ONAV as a basisof the present technique. Note that the horizontal axis illustrated inFIG. 5 indicates a time axis. FIG. 5 also illustrates two devices (OBSSAP2, OBSS AP3) as devices belonging to the OBSSs. Furthermore, above thetime axis corresponding to each device, data to be transmitted from eachdevice is indicated by rectangles provided with content inside. Notethat FIG. 5 illustrates a comparative example of FIG. 7.

In FIG. 5, a and b illustrate examples of a case of setting andcancelling one ONAV for a plurality of OBSSs. In FIG. 5, a and billustrate examples of managing a longest time period (time periodstored in Duration) as the ONAV of the OBSSs in a case where signals arereceived from a plurality of OBSSs.

In FIG. 5, a illustrates an example of a case of receiving a CF-ENDframe from the OBSS AP2.

For example, in a case where an information processing apparatus (STA) 1(not illustrated) receives a CTS frame (OBSS A CTS) from the OBSS AP2(431), the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 sets the ONAV on thebasis of the value stored in the Duration in the CTS frame (432). Inaddition, in a case where the information processing apparatus (STA) 1receives a CTS frame (OBSS B CTS) from the OBSS AP3 after setting theONAV (433), the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 updates theONAV on the basis of the value stored in the Duration in the CTS frame(434). The example illustrated in a of FIG. 5 illustrates an example ofa case where the ONAV is extended by the update of the ONAV.

In a case where the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 receives aCF-END frame from the OBSS AP2 after updating the ONAV (435), theinformation processing apparatus (STA) 1 cancels the updated ONAV (436).

In this way, although there is a remaining time period of the ONAV ofthe OBSS AP3, the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 cancels theupdated ONAV on the basis of the CF-END frame from the OBSS AP2. In thiscase, the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 may not be able tofigure out that the OBSS AP3 is using the wireless transmission path andmay start data transmission of the apparatus. In this way, there may bea collision between the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 and theOBSS AP3 in the case where the data transmission from the informationprocessing apparatus (STA) 1 is started.

In FIG. 5, b illustrates an example of a case of receiving a CF-ENDframe from the OBSS AP3.

Note that the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 sets the ONAV inresponse to the reception of the CTS frame from the OBSS AP2 and updatesthe ONAV in response to the reception of the CTS frame from the OBSS AP3(441 to 444), and this is similar to the example illustrated in a ofFIG. 5.

In a case where the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 receives aCF-END frame from the OBSS AP3 after updating the ONAV (445), theinformation processing apparatus (STA) 1 cancels the updated ONAV (446).

In this way, although there is a remaining time period of the ONAV ofthe OBSS AP2, the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 cancels theupdated ONAV on the basis of the CF-END frame from the OBSS AP3. In thiscase, the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 may not be able tofigure out that the OBSS AP2 is using the wireless transmission path andmay start data transmission of the apparatus. In this way, there may bea collision between the information processing apparatus (STA) 1 and theOBSS AP2 in the case where the data transmission from the informationprocessing apparatus (STA) 1 is started.

Therefore, the embodiment of the present technique illustrates anexample of individually managing the NAV (ONAV) for each of theplurality of OBSSs to allow appropriate wireless communication even inan environment including a plurality of OBSSs.

Note that in the embodiment of the present technique, on the basis of adevice as a target (target device), the NAV of the BSS including thetarget device will be referred to as NAV. In addition, on the basis ofthe target device, the NAV of another BSS (OBSS) that is a BSS otherthan the BSS including the target device and that transmits a radio wavereaching the target device will be referred to as ONAV.

[Example of Managing NAV and ONAVs]

FIG. 6 depicts an example of managing the NAV and the ONAVs by the NAVand ONAV management unit 212 according to the embodiment of the presenttechnique.

In FIG. 6, a illustrates an example of an ONAV information managementtable used to manage the ONAV for each of a plurality of OBSSs.

In the ONAV information management table, frame type 501, RA 502, TA503, reception time 504, Duration 505, provisional registration 506, andreception signal strength 507 are associated and recorded.

The type of the frame received by the information processing apparatus(AP1) 100 from a device belonging to the OBSS is stored in the frametype 501. For example, the types of the frames illustrated in a to f ofFIG. 3 are stored.

The RA stored in the frame received by the information processingapparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging to the OBSS is stored inthe RA 502. For example, the information of the RAs 303, 313, 323, 333,343, and 353 illustrated in a to f of FIG. 3 is stored.

The TA stored in the frame received by the information processingapparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging to the OBSS is stored inthe TA 503. For example, the information of the TAs 304, 334, 344, and354 illustrated in a and d to f of FIG. 3 is stored.

The time of the reception (or reception timing) of the frame by theinformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging tothe OBSS is stored in the reception time 504.

The value of the Duration stored in the frame received by theinformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging tothe OBSS is stored in the Duration 505. For example, the information ofthe Duration 302, 312, 322, 342, and 352 illustrated in a to c, e, and fof FIG. 3 is stored.

Information indicating one of definitive registration and provisionalregistration is stored in the provisional registration 506. For example,“0” is stored in the provisional registration 506 in the case of thedefinitive registration, and “1” is stored in the case of theprovisional registration. Note that the definitive registration and theprovisional registration will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8.

The reception signal strength of the frame at the reception of the frameby the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 from the devicebelonging to the OBSS is stored in the reception signal strength 507. Anexample of the reception signal strength that can be used includes RSSI(Received Signal Strength Indicator). Other radio wave conditioninformation may also be stored instead of the reception signal strength.For example, PER (Packet Error Rate), BER (Bit Error Rate), the numberof retransmissions of packet, throughput, drop frame, SIR (Signal toInterference Ratio), or SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio)may be used.

In FIG. 6, b illustrates an example of an NAV information managementtable used to manage the NAV of the BSS including the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1) 100.

In the NAV information management table, reception time 511 and Duration512 are associated and recorded.

The time of the reception (or reception timing) of the frame by theinformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging tothe BSS of the apparatus is stored in the reception time 511.

The value of the Duration stored in the frame received by theinformation processing apparatus (AP1) 100 from the device belonging tothe BSS of the apparatus is stored in the Duration 512.

[Example of Setting and Cancelling ONAV by Managing Each of a Pluralityof OBSSs]

FIG. 7 depicts an example of managing the ONAV by the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 according to the embodiment of the presenttechnique.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of managing the ONAV by the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1, STA1-1, or STA1-2) for each of a plurality ofOBSSs (information processing apparatus of first OBSS (AP2, STA2-1, orSTA2-2) and information processing apparatus of second OBSS (AP3,STA3-1, or STA3-2)) in the example illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, theNAV and ONAV management unit 212 included in the information processingapparatus 100 manages the ONAV for each of a plurality of OBSSs and setsand cancels the ONAV for each of a plurality of OBSSs in the illustratedexample. Note that the horizontal axis illustrated in FIG. 7 indicatesthe time axis. Furthermore, above the time axis corresponding to eachdevice, data to be transmitted from each device is indicated byrectangles provided with content inside.

In FIG. 7, a illustrates an example of a case where the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1) 100 receives a CF-END frame from theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110.

For example, a case where the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100receives a CTS frame (OBSS A CTS) from the information processingapparatus (AP2) 110 will be illustrated (451). In this case, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 sets an ONAV (ONAV A) of the informationprocessing apparatus (AP2) 110 on the basis of the CTS frame (452).

Specifically, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 records each piece ofinformation in the ONAV information management table illustrated in a ofFIG. 6 on the basis of the CTS frame. Specifically, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 records “CTS” in the frame type 501 and records theinformation of the RA 313 of the CTS frame (illustrated in b of FIG. 3)in the RA 520. The NAV and ONAV management unit 212 further records thetime of the reception of the CTS frame in the reception time 504 andrecords the value of the Duration 312 of the CTS frame (illustrated in bof FIG. 3) in the Duration 505. The NAV and ONAV management unit 212also records “0” in the provisional registration 506 and records theRSSI at the reception of the CTS frame in the reception signal strength507. In this way, on the basis of the received CTS frame, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 sets the ONAV (ONAV A) of the OBSS (informationprocessing apparatus (AP2) 110) that has transmitted the CTS frame. Inaddition, in a case where the RTS frame is received just before the CTSframe, and it is recognized that the CTS frame is for the RTS frame, theCTS frame is managed along with the ONAV (ONAV A) of the OBSS(information processing apparatus (AP2) 110) that has transmitted theRTS frame to manage one ONAV for one OBSS.

Furthermore, a case where the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100receives a CTS frame (OBSS B CTS) from the information processingapparatus (AP3) 120 after setting the ONAV A will be illustrated (453).In this case, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 sets an ONAV (ONAV B)of the OBSS (information processing apparatus (AP3) 120) on the basis ofthe CTS frame (454). The setting method is similar to the setting methodof the ONAV A of the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110, and thedescription will not be repeated here.

In this way, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 sets and manages theONAV for each of a plurality of OBSSs (information processing apparatus(AP2) 110 and information processing apparatus (AP3) 120).

A case where the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 receives aCF-END frame from the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110 aftersetting the ONAV A and the ONAV B will be illustrated (455). In thiscase, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 cancels the ONAV A of theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110 on the basis of the CF-ENDframe (456).

Specifically, on the basis of the CF-END frame, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 deletes, from the ONAV information management tableillustrated in a of FIG. 6, each piece of information corresponding tothe ONAV A of the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110 that hastransmitted the CF-END frame.

Specifically, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 determines whether ornot the BSSID (TA) 344 of the CF-END frame (illustrated in e of FIG. 3)coincides with the BSSID of the BSS including the apparatus. Then, in acase where the BSSID (TA) 344 of the CF-END frame is different from theBSSID of the BSS including the apparatus, the NAV and ONAV managementunit 212 can figure out that the CF-END frame is transmitted from theOBSS. In this case, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 extracts the RAcoinciding with the RA 343 of the CF-END frame (illustrated in e of FIG.3) from the RA 502 of the ONAV information management table illustratedin a of FIG. 6. The NAV and ONAV management unit 212 then deletes eachpiece of information associated with the coinciding RA 502 (each pieceof information corresponding to the ONAV A of the information processingapparatus (AP2) 110) from the ONAV information management table.

Note that a broadcast address is written in the RA 343 of the CF-ENDframe in the RA 502 of the ONAV information management table, and in acase where there is no frame coinciding with the RTS frame or the CTSframe, there is a possibility that the CF-END frame is transmitted froman OBSS not registered in the ONAV information management table.Therefore, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 ignores the CF-END framein this case and does not execute the process of deletion from the ONAVinformation management table.

In this way, in the case where the CF-END frame is received from theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110 (455), only the ONAV A of theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110 is cancelled (456), and thesetting of the ONAV B of the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120is maintained (454). Therefore, the information processing apparatus(AP1) 100 can figure out that the information processing apparatus (AP3)120 is using the wireless transmission path in the period of the ONAV Bof the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120 and can prevent thestart of the data transmission of the apparatus. This can prevent acollision between the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 and theinformation processing apparatus (AP3) 120.

In FIG. 7, b illustrates an example of a case where the informationprocessing apparatus (AP1) 100 receives a CF-END frame from theinformation processing apparatus (AP3) 120.

Note that the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 sets the ONAV Ain response to the reception of the CTS frame from the informationprocessing apparatus (AP2) 110 and sets the ONAV B in response to thereception of the CTS frame from the information processing apparatus(AP3) 120 (461 to 464), and this is similar to the example illustratedin a of FIG. 7.

A case where the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 receives aCF-END frame from the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120 aftersetting the ONAV A and the ONAV B will be illustrated (465). In thiscase, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 cancels the ONAV B of theinformation processing apparatus (AP3) 120 on the basis of the CF-ENDframe (466).

Specifically, on the basis of the CF-END frame, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 deletes, from the ONAV information management tableillustrated in a of FIG. 6, each piece of information corresponding tothe ONAV B of the information processing apparatus (AP3) 120 that hastransmitted the CF-END frame. Note that the deletion method is similarto the example illustrated in a of FIG. 7, and the description will notbe repeated here.

In this way, in the case where the CF-END frame is received from theinformation processing apparatus (AP3) 120 (465), only the ONAV B of theinformation processing apparatus (AP3) 120 is cancelled (466), and thesetting of the ONAV A of the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110is maintained (462). Therefore, the information processing apparatus(AP1) 100 can figure out that the information processing apparatus (AP2)110 is using the wireless transmission path in the period of the ONAV Aof the information processing apparatus (AP2) 110 and can prevent thestart of the data transmission of the apparatus. This can prevent acollision between the information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 and theinformation processing apparatus (AP2) 110.

In this way, the ONAV is individually managed for each of a plurality ofOBSSs in the embodiment of the present technique, and this allowsappropriate wireless communication even in the environment including aplurality of OBSSs.

Note that although FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the NAV andONAV management unit 212 manages the ONAVs for two OBSSs, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 can similarly manage the ONAVs for three ormore OBSSs.

In addition, there may be a case where there are a large number of OBSSsas management targets of the NAV and ONAV management unit 212. In such acase, only a predetermined number of OBSSs may be set as the managementtargets based on a predetermined rule. For example, on the basis of thereception time 504 and the Duration 505 of the ONAV informationmanagement table illustrated in a of FIG. 6, a predetermined number ofOBSSs can be sequentially selected as the management targets from theOBSS with the latest cancel timing of ONAV. Furthermore, for example, onthe basis of the reception signal strength 507 of the ONAV informationmanagement table illustrated in a of FIG. 6, a predetermined number ofOBSSs can be sequentially selected as the management targets from theOBSS with the best value of RSSI.

[Operation Example of Information Processing Apparatus]

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a processing procedureof an NV and ONAV management process by the information processingapparatus according to the embodiment of the present technique. Tofacilitate the description, the components illustrated in FIG. 2 will beused in the description of FIG. 8.

In a case where an RTS frame or a CTS frame is received (step S801), thecontrol frame extraction unit 211 extracts each piece of information(for example, Duration and address information) from the received RTSframe or CTS frame (step S802).

Subsequently, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 determines whether ornot the RTS frame or the CTS frame is from another informationprocessing apparatus (STA) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus on thebasis of the extracted information (address information) (step S803).Then, if the RTS frame or the CTS frame is from another informationprocessing apparatus (STA) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus (stepS803), the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 sets the NAV on the basis ofthe extracted Duration (step S804). For example, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 records the reception time of the RTS frame or theCTS frame in the reception time 511 and records the value of theextracted Duration in the Duration 512 in the NAV information managementtable illustrated in b of FIG. 6.

In addition, if the frame is not the RTS frame or the CTS frame fromanother information processing apparatus (STA) belonging to the BSS ofthe apparatus (step S803), the NAV and ONAV management unit 212determines whether or not the frame is a CTS-to-self frame from anotherinformation processing apparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS of theapparatus (step S805).

If the frame is a CTS-to-self frame from another information processingapparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus (step S805), theNAV and ONAV management unit 212 recognizes that a CF region is started(step S806). That is, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 recognizesthat a CF (Contention Free) region is set throughout the time perioddescribed in the extracted Duration (step S806).

In this way, in the case where the control signal received from anaccess point belonging to the BSS is a CTS frame, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 can figure out that the data is to be transmitted inthe BSS.

If the frame is not the CTS-to-self frame from another informationprocessing apparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS (step S805), the NAV andONAV management unit 212 determines whether or not the frame is a CTSframe from an information processing apparatus (STA) of an OBSS (stepS807). If the frame is a CTS frame from an information processingapparatus (STA) of an OBSS (step S807), the NAV and ONAV management unit212 sets the ONAV on the basis of the received CTS frame (step S808).For example, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 records each piece ofinformation (for example, RA and Duration) related to the received CTSframe and records “0” in the provisional registration 505 in the ONAVinformation management table illustrated in a of FIG. 6.

In this way, in the case where the control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to the OBSS is a CTS frame,the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can set the ONAV of the OBSS as amanagement target.

On the other hand, if the frame is an RTS frame from an informationprocessing apparatus (STA) of an OBSS (step S807), the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 provisionally sets (provisionally registers) theONAV on the basis of the received RTS frame (step S809). For example,the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 records each piece of information(for example, RA, TA, and Duration) related to the received RTS frameand records “1” in the provisional registration 505 in the ONAVinformation management table illustrated in a of FIG. 6.

In this way, if an RTS frame is received from an information processingapparatus (STA) of an OBSS (step S807), the value of the Duration can beprovisionally set (provisionally registered) as an ONAV value. Here, theprovisionally set (provisionally registered) ONAV can be definitivelyregistered in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied. Forexample, in a case where a CTS frame corresponding to the RTS frame isreceived just after the reception of the RTS frame, and the TA in theRST frame and the RA in the CTS frame coincide, the ONAV can bedefinitively registered.

In addition, in the case where the ONAV is provisionally set(provisionally registered), control, such as lowering the packetdetection threshold from a normal threshold, may be performed tofacilitate the reception of the CTS frame.

Here, in a case where the CTS frame corresponding to the RTS frame isnot received just after the reception of the RTS frame from theinformation processing apparatus (STA) of the OBSS, the data receptionof the apparatus may not be affected. Therefore, instead ofprovisionally setting the ONAV, the ONAV may be set on a condition thatthe CTS frame (corresponding to the RTS frame) from the OBSS is receivedjust after the reception of the RTS frame from the informationprocessing apparatus (STA) of the OBSS.

Furthermore, if an RTS frame or a CTS frame is not received (step S801),whether or not a data frame is received is determined (step S810). Then,if a data frame is received (step S810), the data frame extraction unit213 extracts a data part of the received data frame (step S811).Subsequently, whether or not an ACK corresponding to the received dataframe needs to be returned is determined (step S812). Then, if an ACKneeds to be returned (step S812), the ACK is returned (step S813). Forexample, the ACK is returned in a case where the data frame is correctlyreceived on the basis of designation of an Ack Policy bit of thereceived data frame (step S813). Note that if an ACK does not have to bereturned (step S812), the process returns to step S801.

If a data frame is not received (step S810), whether or not a CF-ENDframe is received is determined (step S814). Then, if a CF-END frame isreceived (step S814), the control frame extraction unit 211 extractseach piece of information (for example, Duration and addressinformation) from the received CF-END frame (step S815).

Subsequently, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 determines whether ornot the CF-END frame is from the information processing apparatus (AP)belonging to the BSS of the apparatus on the basis of the extractedinformation (BSSID (TA)) (step S816). For example, in a case where theextracted BSSID (TA) is the address (BSSID) of the informationprocessing apparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus, the NAVand ONAV management unit 212 determines that the CF-END frame is fromthe information processing apparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS of theapparatus (step S816). Then, if the CF-END frame is from the informationprocessing apparatus (AP) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus (stepS816), the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 recognizes that the CFregion is finished (step S817).

In this way, in the case where the control signal received from theaccess point belonging to the BSS is a CF-END frame, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 can figure out that the CF region is finished in theBSS and that the data is not transmitted from the access point (AP) ofthe BSS.

If the CF-END frame is not from the information processing apparatus(AP) belonging to the BSS of the apparatus (step S816), the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 determines whether or not an ONAV corresponding tothe extracted BSSID (TA) is set (step S818). For example, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 determines whether or not there is a TAcoinciding with the extracted BSSID (TA) in the TA 503 illustrated in aof FIG. 6. Then, if there is a TA coinciding with the extracted BSSID(TA) in the TA 503 illustrated in a of FIG. 6, the NAV and ONAVmanagement unit 212 determines that the ONAV corresponding to theextracted BSSID (TA) is set (step S818). On the other hand, if there isno TA coinciding with the extracted BSSID (TA) in the TA 503 illustratedin a of FIG. 6, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 determines that theONAV corresponding to the extracted BSSID (TA) is not set (step S818).

If the ONAV corresponding to the extracted BSSID (TA) is not set (stepS818), the process proceeds to step S821. Furthermore, if the ONAVcorresponding to the extracted BSSID (TA) is set (step S818), the NAVand ONAV management unit 212 cancels the ONAV corresponding to theextracted BSSID (TA) (step S820).

In this way, in the case where the control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to the OBSS is a CF-ENDframe, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can cancel the ONAV of theOBSS corresponding to the address information in the CF-END frame.

In addition, if a CF-END frame is not received (step S814), the NAV andONAV management unit 212 determines whether or not there is a timed-outNAV or ONAV among the set NAV and ONAVs (step S819). For example, theNAV and ONAV management unit 212 can extract the timed-out ONAV on thebasis of the reception time 504 and the Duration 505 illustrated in a ofFIG. 6 (step S819). Furthermore, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212can determine whether or not the NAV is timed out on the basis of, forexample, the reception time 511 and the Duration 512 illustrated in b ofFIG. 6 (step S819).

If there is a timed-out NAV or ONAV among the set NAV and ONAVs (stepS819), the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 cancels the timed-out NAV orONAV (step S820).

In addition, the apparatus repeats the series of operations (steps S801to S821) after the end of the CF region in the BSS of the apparatus,until there is an instruction for ending the communication in thecontention region for a predetermined time period (step S821), forexample. Note that steps S801 to S820 are an example of a controlprocedure described in the claims.

In this way, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can manage, for eachOBSS, the ONAV (transmission suppression time period) set in the OBSSthat transmits a radio wave reaching at least the apparatus, along withthe NAV (transmission suppression time period) set in the BSS. In thiscase, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can set the NAV for each OBSSon the basis of a control signal received from another informationprocessing apparatus belonging to the OBSS. For example, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 can set the ONAV of the OBSS on the basis ofthe value of the Duration in the control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to the OBSS.

The NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can also change the details ofmanagement of the ONAV on the basis of the type of the control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to theOBSS.

The information processing apparatus (AP1) 100 can also transmit datafrom the apparatus in a case where neither the NAV nor the ONAV is set.That is, the access control unit 206 can transmit data from theapparatus in a case where there is no registration in the ONAVinformation management table illustrated in a of FIG. 6 and there is noregistration in the NAV information management table illustrated in b ofFIG. 6. On the other hand, the access control unit 206 performs controlnot to transmit a signal to the wireless transmission path until all theregistration in the ONAV information management table illustrated in aof FIG. 6 and the registration in the NAV information management tableillustrated in b of FIG. 6 are cancelled.

In this way, according to the embodiment of the present technique, theONAVs of individual OBSSs can be set and managed for each OBSS on thebasis of control signals from the plurality of OBSSs existing around theBSS including the apparatus. As a result, the situation of the ONAV setfor each OBSS can be figured out. Furthermore, in a case where a signalfor cancelling an ONAV of an OBSS is received, only the ONAV of the OBSSthat has transmitted the signal can be cancelled, and the other ONAVs ofthe OBSS can be maintained and figured out. That is, the other ONAVs canbe maintained even in the case where one ONAV is cancelled, and thevirtual carrier sense from different OBSSs can be surely carried out.This can realize an operation that avoids a collision with communicationof surrounding OBSSs. In other words, a mechanism for preventing anunintended collision of frames in advance can be provided.

In addition, the number of ONAVs of OBSSs to be managed can becontrolled according to the capacity of the information processingapparatus. That is, instead of managing the ONAVs of OBSSs without alimitation, only two or more longest ONAVs may be managed according tothe capacity of the information processing apparatus. As a result,communication control for more surely avoiding a collision withcommunication of OBSSs can be realized in a more advanced device.

In addition, the ONAVs of the OBSSs can be recorded according to theformats of the frames. As a result, essentially necessary ONAVs for theOBSSs can be appropriately managed.

In addition, the individual NAVs (ONAVs) that are once set are notcancelled unless a CF-END frame is received from the informationprocessing apparatus that has set the NAV (ONAV). As a result, thecontrol for preventing a collision with signal reception of OBSSs can beappropriately performed.

In addition, in a case where a CTS frame is received from an informationprocessing apparatus (AP) of the BSS including the apparatus, it can bedetermined that the CF region is started when the CTS frame is aCTS-to-self frame. This allows to figure out that the data is to betransmitted to the apparatus after the reception of the CTS frame.

In addition, in a case where a CF-END frame is received from aninformation processing apparatus (AP) of the BSS including theapparatus, it can be determined that the CF region is finished. Thisallows to figure out that the data is not to be transmitted to theapparatus after the reception of the CF-END frame.

In addition, for an RTS frame from an information processing apparatus(STA) other than the information processing apparatus (AP) included inthe OBSS, provisional setting can be performed instead of setting theONAV of the OBSS. In this case, the ONAV is set on a condition that theCTS frame is received from the information processing apparatus (AP)included in the OBSS. That is, the ONAV from the information processingapparatus (AP) included in the OBSS is validated, and the ONAV can bemanaged on the basis of the type of frame. This can increasetransmission opportunities without affecting other devices.

Note that the system configuration as a target of the embodiment of thepresent technique is not limited to these. For example, although FIG. 1illustrates an example of a communication system including three BSSs(nine devices), the number of BSSs and the number of devices are notlimited to these. In addition, the connection mode of a plurality ofdevices is not limited to the connection modes described above. Forexample, the embodiment of the present technique can also be applied toa network connecting a plurality of devices based on a connection modeother than the connection modes described above.

Note that in the example illustrated in the embodiment of the presenttechnique, the communication system includes an access point (masterstation) and subordinate apparatuses (slave stations) of the accesspoint. However, the embodiment of the present technique may be appliedto, for example, a network in which a plurality of devices wirelesslycommunicate one-to-one, and the plurality of devices are connected toeach other (for example, mesh network or ad hoc network). For example,the embodiment of the present technique can be applied to a mesh networkof IEEE 802.11s.

For example, in the case where the embodiment of the present techniqueis applied to the mesh network, the NAV in the BSS including theapparatus is not managed. Then, whether the series of setting andcancelling the NAV are necessary can be determined in response toreception of a control frame, such as an RTS frame and a CTS frame,transmitted from a device around the apparatus.

The embodiment of the present technique can also be applied to wirelesscommunication between in-vehicle devices (for example,vehicle-to-vehicle communication or road-to-vehicle communication (V2X(vehicle to X))). In this case, whether the NAVs of the surroundingin-vehicle devices need to be set and cancelled can be determinedaccording to the type of frames in a case where the in-vehicle devicesaround the apparatus receive control frames of each other.

In addition, in the case where the embodiment of the present techniqueis applied to these wireless communications, information of the distancemeasured between another device and the apparatus or the like may alsobe managed in addition to the information of the received fieldstrength, for example.

In addition, the information processing apparatuses (AP, STA) accordingto the embodiment of the present technique can be applied to devicesused in each field. For example, the information processing apparatusescan be applied to wireless devices used in cars (for example, carnavigation apparatuses and smartphones). The information processingapparatuses can also be applied to, for example, the vehicle-to-vehiclecommunication or the road-to-vehicle communication (V2X) as describedabove. The information processing apparatuses can also be applied to,for example, learning devices used in the educational field (forexample, tablet terminals). The information processing apparatuses canalso be applied to, for example, wireless devices used in theagricultural field (for example, terminals of cattle management system).Similarly, the information processing apparatuses can be applied to, forexample, wireless devices used in the sports field, the medical field,and the like.

2. Application Example

The technique according to the present disclosure can be applied tovarious products. For example, the information processing apparatus (AP,STA) may be realized as a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, atablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a mobile game terminal,and a digital camera, a fixed terminal, such as a television receiver, aprinter, a digital scanner, and a network storage, or an in-vehicleterminal, such as a car navigation apparatus. The information processingapparatus (AP, STA) may also be realized as a terminal (also called MTC(Machine Type Communication) terminal) that performs M2M (Machine ToMachine) communication, such as a smart meter, a vending machine, aremote monitoring apparatus, and a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal. Theinformation processing apparatus (AP, STA) may also be a wirelesscommunication module mounted on these terminals (for example, integratedcircuit module including one die).

On the other hand, the information processing apparatus (AP) may berealized as, for example, a wireless LAN access point (also calledwireless base station) with a router function or without a routerfunction. The information processing apparatus (AP) may also be realizedas a mobile wireless LAN router. The information processing apparatus(AP) may also be a wireless communication module mounted on theseapparatuses (for example, integrated circuit module including one die).

2-1. First Application Example

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a smartphone 900 to which the technique according tothe present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900 includes aprocessor 901, a memory 902, a storage 903, an external connectioninterface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an inputdevice 909, a display device 910, a speaker 911, a wirelesscommunication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, abus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919.

The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)or an SoC (System on Chip), and the processor 901 controls functions ofan application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The memory902 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory)and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901. The storage903 can include a storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory and ahard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface forconnecting an external device, such as a memory card and a USB(Universal Serial Bus) device, to the smartphone 900.

The camera 906 includes, for example, an imaging element, such as a CCD(Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor), and generates a captured image. The sensor 907 caninclude, for example, a sensor group, such as a positioning sensor, agyrosensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor. Themicrophone 908 converts sound input to the smartphone 900 into a soundsignal. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor thatdetects a touch on a screen of the display device 910, a key pad, akeyboard, a button, a switch, or the like and receives an operation oran input of information from the user. The display device 910 includes ascreen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays an output image of thesmartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts a sound signal output from thesmartphone 900 into sound.

The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wirelessLAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, andexecutes wireless communication. The wireless communication interface913 can communicate with another apparatus through a wireless LAN accesspoint in an infrastructure mode. Furthermore, the wireless communicationinterface 913 can directly communicate with another apparatus in adirect communication mode, such as an ad hoc mode and Wi-Fi Direct. Notethat although one of two terminals operates as an access point in theWi-Fi Direct unlike in the ad hoc mode, the terminals directlycommunicate with each other. The wireless communication interface 913can typically include a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency)circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communicationinterface 913 may be a one-chip module integrating a memory that storesa communication control program, a processor that executes the program,and related circuits. The wireless communication interface 913 maysupport other types of wireless communication systems, such as ashort-range wireless communication system, a near-field wirelesscommunication system, and a cellular communication system, in additionto the wireless LAN system. The antenna switch 914 switches destinationsof the antenna 915 between a plurality of circuits (for example,circuits for different wireless communication systems) included in thewireless communication interface 913. The antenna 915 includes a singleor a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antennaelements included in a MIMO antenna), and the antenna 915 is used fortransmission and reception of radio signals through the wirelesscommunication interface 913.

Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to the example of FIG. 9,and the smartphone 900 may include a plurality of antennas (for example,an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for near-field wirelesscommunication system, and the like). In that case, the antenna switch914 may be excluded from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

The bus 917 mutually connects the processor 901, the memory 902, thestorage 903, the external connection interface 904, the camera 906, thesensor 907, the microphone 908, the input device 909, the display device910, the speaker 911, the wireless communication interface 913, and theauxiliary controller 919. The battery 918 supplies power to each blockof the smartphone 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 through power feed linespartially indicated by dotted lines in the figure. The auxiliarycontroller 919 causes the smartphone 900 to operate minimum requiredfunctions in a sleep mode, for example.

In the smartphone 900 illustrated in FIG. 9, the NAV and ONAV managementunit 212 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in thewireless communication interface 913. In addition, at least some of thefunctions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliarycontroller 919. For example, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 canmanage the ONAV of each OBSS to perform appropriate wirelesscommunication and reduce the power consumption of the battery 918.

Note that the processor 901 may execute an access point function in anapplication level, and the smartphone 900 may operate as a wirelessaccess point (software AP). In addition, the wireless communicationinterface 913 may have a wireless access point function.

2-2. Second Application Example

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a car navigation apparatus 920 to which the techniqueaccording to the present disclosure can be applied. The car navigationapparatus 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a GPS (GlobalPositioning System) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, acontent player 927, a storage medium interface 928, an input device 929,a display device 930, a speaker 931, a wireless communication interface933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938.

The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC, and theprocessor 921 controls a navigation function and other functions of thecar navigation apparatus 920. The memory 922 includes a RAM and a ROMand stores programs and data executed by the processor 921.

The GPS module 924 uses a GPS signal received from a GPS satellite tomeasure the position (for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude) ofthe car navigation apparatus 920. The sensor 925 can include, forexample, a sensor group, such as a gyrosensor, a geomagnetic sensor, anda pressure sensor. The data interface 926 is connected to an in-vehiclenetwork 941 through, for example, a terminal not illustrated, and thedata interface 926 acquires data, such as vehicle speed data, generatedon the vehicle side.

The content player 927 reproduces content stored in a storage medium(for example, a CD or a DVD) inserted to the storage medium interface928. The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor thatdetects a touch on a screen of the display device 930, a button, aswitch, or the like and receives an operation or an input of informationfrom the user. The display device 930 includes a screen, such as an LCDand an OLED display, and displays an image of the navigation function orthe content to be reproduced. The speaker 931 outputs sound of thenavigation function or the content to be reproduced.

The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wirelessLAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, andexecutes wireless communication. The wireless communication interface933 can communicate with another apparatus through a wireless LAN accesspoint in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communicationinterface 933 can directly communicate with another apparatus in adirect communication mode, such as an ad hoc mode and Wi-Fi Direct. Thewireless communication interface 933 can typically include a basebandprocessor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wirelesscommunication interface 933 may be a one-chip module integrating amemory that stores a communication control program, a processor thatexecutes the program, and related circuits. The wireless communicationinterface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems,such as a short-range wireless communication system, a near-fieldwireless communication system, and a cellular communication system, inaddition to the wireless LAN system. The antenna switch 934 switchesdestinations of the antenna 935 between a plurality of circuits includedin the wireless communication interface 933. The antenna 935 includes asingle or a plurality of antenna elements, and the antenna 935 is usedfor transmission and reception of radio signals through the wirelesscommunication interface 933.

Note that the car navigation apparatus 920 is not limited to the exampleof FIG. 10, and the car navigation apparatus 920 may include a pluralityof antennas. In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be excluded fromthe configuration of the car navigation apparatus 920.

The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the car navigationapparatus 920 illustrated in FIG. 10 through power feed lines partiallyindicated by dotted lines in the figure. The battery 938 alsoaccumulates power fed from the vehicle side.

In the car navigation apparatus 920 illustrated in FIG. 10, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 described with reference to FIG. 2 may beimplemented in the wireless communication interface 933. In addition, atleast some of the functions may be implemented in the processor 921. Forexample, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can manage the ONAV ofeach OBSS to appropriately perform wireless communication.

In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 may operate as theinformation processing apparatus (AP) described above to providewireless connection to the terminal possessed by the user riding on thevehicle.

In addition, the technique according to the present disclosure may berealized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or moreblocks of the car navigation apparatus 920 described above, thein-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle side module 942. The vehicle sidemodule 942 generates vehicle side data, such as vehicle speed, enginespeed, and malfunction information, and outputs the generated data tothe in-vehicle network 941.

2-3. Third Application Example

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a wireless access point 950 to which the techniqueaccording to the present disclosure can be applied. The wireless accesspoint 950 includes a controller 951, a memory 952, an input device 954,a display device 955, a network interface 957, a wireless communicationinterface 963, an antenna switch 964, and an antenna 965.

The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital SignalProcessor), and the controller 951 operates various functions (forexample, access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, logmanagement, and the like) of layers higher than an IP (InternetProtocol) layer of the wireless access point 950. The memory 952includes a RAM and a ROM and stores programs executed by the controller951 and various control data (for example, terminal list, routing table,encryption key, security setting, log, and the like).

The input device 954 includes, for example, a button, a switch, or thelike and receives an operation from the user. The display device 955includes an LED lamp or the like and displays the operation status ofthe wireless access point 950.

The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface forconnection of the wireless access point 950 to a wired communicationnetwork 958. The network interface 957 may include a plurality ofconnection terminals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN,such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be a WAN (Wide AreaNetwork).

The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wirelessLAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, andserves as an access point to provide wireless connection to neighboringterminals. The wireless communication interface 963 can typicallyinclude a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and thelike. The wireless communication interface 963 may be a one-chip moduleintegrating a memory that stores a communication control program, aprocessor that executes the program, and related circuits. The antennaswitch 964 switches destinations of the antenna 965 between a pluralityof circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. Theantenna 965 includes a single or a plurality of antenna elements, andthe antenna 965 is used for transmission and reception of radio signalsthrough the wireless communication interface 963.

In the wireless access point 950 illustrated in FIG. 11, the NAV andONAV management unit 212 described with reference to FIG. 2 may beimplemented in the wireless communication interface 963. In addition, atleast some of the functions may be implemented in the controller 951.For example, the NAV and ONAV management unit 212 can manage the ONAV ofeach OBSS to perform appropriate wireless communication.

Note that the above-described embodiment illustrates an example forembodying the present technique, and the matters in the embodiment andthe matters used to specify the invention in the claims correspond toeach other. Similarly, the matters used to specify the invention in theclaims and the matters with the same names in the embodiment of thepresent technique correspond to each other. However, the presenttechnique is not limited to the embodiment, and the present techniquecan be embodied by applying various modifications to the embodimentwithout departing from the scope of the present technique.

In addition, the processing procedures described in the embodiment maybe regarded as a method including the series of procedures, and theprocessing procedures may be regarded as a program for causing acomputer to execute the series of procedures or as a recording mediumstoring the program. Examples of the recording medium that can be usedinclude a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (MiniDisc), a DVD (Digital VersatileDisc), a memory card, and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc.

Note that the advantageous effects described in the presentspecification are illustrative only, and the advantageous effects arenot limited. There may also be other advantageous effects.

Note that the present technique can also be configured as follows.

(1)

An information processing apparatus including:

a management unit that manages a transmission suppression time periodset in a network including the information processing apparatus and thatmanages a transmission suppression time period set in each of othernetworks, the other networks not including the information processingapparatus and transmitting radio waves reaching at least the informationprocessing apparatus, the management unit managing the transmissionsuppression time period for each of the other networks.

(2)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

the management unit sets the transmission suppression time period ofeach of the other networks on a basis of a control signal received fromanother information processing apparatus belonging to one of the othernetworks.

(3)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

the management unit sets the transmission suppression time period of oneof the other networks on a basis of a value of Duration in a controlsignal received from another information processing apparatus belongingto the one of the other networks.

(4)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

in a case where a control signal received from another informationprocessing apparatus belonging to one of the other networks is a CTS(Clear to Send) frame, the management unit sets the transmissionsuppression time period of the one of the other networks as a managementtarget.

(5)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

in a case where a control signal received from another informationprocessing apparatus belonging to one of the other networks is a CF-END(Contention Free End) frame, the management unit cancels thetransmission suppression time period of the one of the other networkscorresponding to address information in the CF-END frame.

(6)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which

in a case where a control signal received from another informationprocessing apparatus belonging to the network is an RTS (Request toSend) frame, the management unit sets the transmission suppression timeperiod of the network on a basis of a value of Duration in the RTSframe.

(7)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),further including:

an access control unit that performs control not to transmit a signal toa wireless transmission path until all the transmission suppression timeperiod of the network and the transmission suppression time period ofeach of the other networks as management targets of the management unitare cancelled.

(8)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7),in which

the management unit changes details of management of the transmissionsuppression time period on a basis of a type of control signal receivedfrom another information processing apparatus belonging to one of theother networks.

(9)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),in which

the management unit manages, for each of the other networks,transmission suppression time periods set in a plurality of the othernetworks.

(10)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),in which

in a case where a control signal received from an access point belongingto the network is a CTS frame, the management unit figures out that datais to be transmitted in the network.

(11)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to(10), in which

in a case where a control signal received from an access point belongingto the network is a CF-END frame, the management unit figures out thatdata is not to be transmitted from the access point in the network.

(12)

A communication system including:

a first information processing apparatus that transmits a control signalfor setting a transmission suppression time period in a networkincluding both the first information processing apparatus and a secondinformation processing apparatus in a case where data is to betransmitted in the network; and

the second information processing apparatus that includes a managementunit that manages the transmission suppression time period set in thenetwork on a basis of the control signal and that manages a transmissionsuppression time period set in each of other networks, the othernetworks not including the first information processing apparatus or thesecond information processing apparatus and transmitting radio wavesreaching at least the second information processing apparatus, themanagement unit managing the transmission suppression time period foreach of the other networks.

(13)

An information processing method of managing a transmission suppressiontime period set in a network including an information processingapparatus and of managing a transmission suppression time period set ineach of other networks, the other networks not including the informationprocessing apparatus and transmitting radio waves reaching at least theinformation processing apparatus, the information processing methodmanaging the transmission suppression time period for each of the othernetworks.

(14)

A program causing a computer to execute a control procedure of managinga transmission suppression time period set in a network including aninformation processing apparatus and of managing a transmissionsuppression time period set in each of other networks, the othernetworks not including the information processing apparatus andtransmitting radio waves reaching at least the information processingapparatus, the control procedure managing the transmission suppressiontime period for each of the other networks.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 Communication system    -   21 Internet communication unit    -   22 Information input unit    -   23 Device control unit    -   24 Information output unit    -   100 Information processing apparatus (AP1)    -   101 Information processing apparatus (STA1-1)    -   102 Information processing apparatus (STA1-2)    -   110 Information processing apparatus (AP2)    -   111 Information processing apparatus (STA2-1)    -   112 Information processing apparatus (STA2-2)    -   120 Information processing apparatus (AP3)    -   121 Information processing apparatus (STA3-1)    -   122 Information processing apparatus (STA3-2)    -   201 Interface unit    -   202 Transmission buffer    -   203 Data frame generation unit    -   204 Control frame generation unit    -   205 Wireless signal transmission processing unit    -   206 Access control unit    -   207 Transmission power control/received field strength setting        unit    -   208 Antenna control unit    -   209A, 209B Antenna element    -   210 Wireless signal reception processing unit    -   211 Control frame extraction unit    -   212 NAV and ONAV management unit    -   213 Data frame extraction unit    -   214 Reception buffer    -   900 Smartphone    -   901 Processor    -   902 Memory    -   903 Storage    -   904 External connection interface    -   906 Camera    -   907 Sensor    -   908 Microphone    -   909 Input device    -   910 Display device    -   911 Speaker    -   913 Wireless communication interface    -   914 Antenna switch    -   915 Antenna    -   917 Bus    -   918 Battery    -   919 Auxiliary controller    -   920 Car navigation apparatus    -   921 Processor    -   922 Memory    -   924 GPS module    -   925 Sensor    -   926 Data interface    -   927 Content player    -   928 Storage medium interface    -   929 Input device    -   930 Display device    -   931 Speaker    -   933 Wireless communication interface    -   934 Antenna switch    -   935 Antenna    -   938 Battery    -   941 In-vehicle network    -   942 Vehicle side module    -   950 Wireless access point    -   951 Controller    -   952 Memory    -   954 Input device    -   955 Display device    -   957 Network interface    -   958 Wired communication network    -   963 Wireless communication interface    -   964 Antenna switch    -   965 Antenna

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a management unitthat manages a transmission suppression time period set in a networkincluding the information processing apparatus and that manages atransmission suppression time period set in each of other networks, theother networks not including the information processing apparatus andtransmitting radio waves reaching at least the information processingapparatus, the management unit managing the transmission suppressiontime period for each of the other networks.
 2. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unitsets the transmission suppression time period of each of the othernetworks on a basis of a control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to one of the other networks.3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe management unit sets the transmission suppression time period of oneof the other networks on a basis of a value of Duration in a controlsignal received from another information processing apparatus belongingto the one of the other networks.
 4. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to oneof the other networks is a CTS (Clear to Send) frame, the managementunit sets the transmission suppression time period of the one of theother networks as a management target.
 5. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a control signalreceived from another information processing apparatus belonging to oneof the other networks is a CF-END (Contention Free End) frame, themanagement unit cancels the transmission suppression time period of theone of the other networks corresponding to address information in theCF-END frame.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein in a case where a control signal received from anotherinformation processing apparatus belonging to the network is an RTS(Request to Send) frame, the management unit sets the transmissionsuppression time period of the network on a basis of a value of Durationin the RTS frame.
 7. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: an access control unit that performscontrol not to transmit a signal to a wireless transmission path untilall the transmission suppression time period of the network and thetransmission suppression time period of each of the other networks asmanagement targets of the management unit are cancelled.
 8. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein themanagement unit changes details of management of the transmissionsuppression time period on a basis of a type of control signal receivedfrom another information processing apparatus belonging to one of theother networks.
 9. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the management unit manages, for each of the othernetworks, transmission suppression time periods set in a plurality ofthe other networks.
 10. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein in a case where a control signal received from anaccess point belonging to the network is a CTS frame, the managementunit figures out that data is to be transmitted in the network.
 11. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a casewhere a control signal received from an access point belonging to thenetwork is a CF-END frame, the management unit figures out that data isnot to be transmitted from the access point in the network.
 12. Acommunication system comprising: a first information processingapparatus that transmits a control signal for setting a transmissionsuppression time period in a network including both the firstinformation processing apparatus and a second information processingapparatus in a case where data is to be transmitted in the network; andthe second information processing apparatus that includes a managementunit that manages the transmission suppression time period set in thenetwork on a basis of the control signal and that manages a transmissionsuppression time period set in each of other networks, the othernetworks not including the first information processing apparatus or thesecond information processing apparatus and transmitting radio wavesreaching at least the second information processing apparatus, themanagement unit managing the transmission suppression time period foreach of the other networks.
 13. An information processing method ofmanaging a transmission suppression time period set in a networkincluding an information processing apparatus and of managing atransmission suppression time period set in each of other networks, theother networks not including the information processing apparatus andtransmitting radio waves reaching at least the information processingapparatus, the information processing method managing the transmissionsuppression time period for each of the other networks.
 14. A programcausing a computer to execute a control procedure of managing atransmission suppression time period set in a network including aninformation processing apparatus and of managing a transmissionsuppression time period set in each of other networks, the othernetworks not including the information processing apparatus andtransmitting radio waves reaching at least the information processingapparatus, the control procedure managing the transmission suppressiontime period for each of the other networks.